Dear Purdue University Employees,
This message is to announce that, effective Feb. 13, 2023, the TikTok app will not be permitted on university-issued/subsidized devices.
The university announced on Jan. 20 that all Purdue campuses, as well as Purdue Global, would no longer participate on the TikTok platform via institutional accounts. That decision was prompted by concerns about cybersecurity risks to user data privacy, algorithmic censorship of free speech, and threats to national security — all as stated publicly by the U.S. federal government.
Since TikTok is no longer used for university operations or activities, the policy announced today recognizes that the presence of TikTok on University-issued/subsidized devices is inconsistent with permitted uses of Purdue IT resources. As set forth in systemwide Policy VII.A.4 (Acceptable Use of IT Resources and Information Assets), the university makes IT resources available “(1) to support scholarship, research and instructional activities of University faculty, (2) to facilitate the operations of the University, (3) to provide access to University services and (4) to support student and campus life activities.” It follows that the use of an app with no connection to university content or activities is not a legitimate use of a university-provided IT resource.
In addition, the threats posed by TikTok to cybersecurity are unacceptable and unnecessary risks on devices that the university provides or subsidizes via the tech allowance.
All faculty, staff and student employees must immediately remove TikTok from university-issued/subsidized devices (including cell phones, laptops, tablets and desktop computers) in their care, custody or control.
Questions concerning this policy can be directed to itap@purdue.edu.
